Poorer families are not getting their five-a-day, shows research

Figures have shown that the recession and the rising price of food have resulted fruit and vegetable consumption among poorer families falling by 30%.

Lower income families throughout the UK have cut their consumption of fruit and vegetables by an average of 30% in the response to the rising price of food.

Whilst the average household continues to buy around four portions of fruit and veg each day, recently released figures show that households within the lowest tenth of incomes were only buying 2.7 daily portions.

The Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have said that the 30% decline has happened gradually since 2006, and is likely to have declined further still in the past year.

Commenting on the figures, Labour’s shadow environment secretary Mary Creagh has said that this is an area which urgently requires attention. “It’s very bad news that people on lower incomes are now even less likely to get their five a day. ” She said.

For information, advice and some helpful tips about ways to stay fit and healthy, please visit our health coaching page for more information.